890G.00/560: Telegram

The Minister Resident in Iraq (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State

78. Received today note from Foreign Office giving names new Cabinet Ministers who are predominantly pro-German. Mousa Shabanda, [Page 500] Foreign Affairs, served Iraqi Legation, Berlin; Naji Showkat, Defence, Gailani special envoy to Von Papen31 last summer; Naji Suwaidi in Gailani’s last Cabinet.

The others no particular importance. I will not acknowledge the receipt of note pending Department’s instructions and I recommend delay until further advised. British Ambassador anticipating demand of Gailani for British recognition as consideration for permission transit British troops, telegraphed for instructions on this point last night to have it in hand in case of need.

Knabenshue
  1. Franz von Papen, German Ambassador in Turkey.